Leaders Pray

Nehemiah is a wonderful character study for leaders of ministy. The story begins with him being born in exile and working his way up to the cupbearer for King Artaxerxes. One day his brother visits him to tell him the walls of Jersalem are broken down and the people are discouraged. Nehemiah begins to feel a burden from the Lord about what he is to do.....he is being called to return to Jerusalem. His first response is to pray about the situation. He uses the ACTS method of prayer and also prayers Scripture in the prayer in Chapter 1:5-11. Then he goes to the meeting with King Artaxerxes and was afraid (v. 2) so he sent up an "arrow prayer" (v. 4). God honors his prayer as the King not only grants him permission to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall, but he appoints him the governor. The people rally under the motivational power of Nehemiah and they begin to build the wall. Opposition comes in the form of taunters and the enemies of the surrounding territories. Nehemiah agin prays (Chapter 5:4-5). He also helps the people understand the power of Spiritual Warfare. It takes only 52 days to complete the building of the wall around the city of Jerusalem.

This example of a leader who prays consistently, experiences all the same emotions and fears that others do, but continues to be obedient to God and communicate with Him all the time. Is this not how we as women leaders should model prayer?